With
viral fevers and infections on the rise, there is a growing trend to seek
benefits from traditional healing herbs. Many of these have been found to ease
complications and aid recovery. Among these are papaya leaf, giloe and tulsi.
Papaya
leaf: Anecdotal evidence suggests that the extract of raw papaya leaf helps to
boost platelets, also known as thrombocytes and relieve symptoms. Few recent
studies have shown the effect of papaya leaf juice in curing the dengue fever.
A recent study done in Malaysia on mice in 2009 also reported significant
improvement in thrombocyte count in the group which received papaya leaf
formulations compared to the control group. It seems that this bitter green
juice is showing benefits without posing any serious ill-effects.
Papaya
leaf has also been found to possess powerful anti-malarial and anti-cancer
properties. The leaf extract has been used as a prophylactic to prevent malaria
in endemic regions. A study by researchers at Purdue University showed that
papaya leaf consists of over 50 active ingredients found to kill fungi, worms,
parasites, bacteria, and many forms of cancer cells. In addition, papaya leaves
also contain important nutrients that support the immune system, including
vitamins A, C, and E. Papain is an important enzyme in papaya leaves that
breaks down proteins naturally and aids digestion.
For
dengue fever it is suggested that the papaya juice is extracted by crushing and
sieving fresh leaves of papaya. One leaf of papaya gives about one tablespoon
of juice, which is quite bitter in taste. Two tablespoons of papaya leaf juice
should be given to dengue patient three times per day after every 6 hours
interval.
Giloe
also known as Guduchi (plant which protects from diseases, Sanskrit), enjoys the
reputation of being one of the most famous medicinal plants used in treatment
of large number of human ailments as mentioned in Ayurveda.
Giloe
too has been reported to help treat dengue in early stages without any
side-effects. It has been reported to increase the platelets in a significant
manner and lower the body temperature.
Giloe,
known as Rasayana plant in ayurveda, has been reported to enhance general body
resistance and promote longevity. It has also been reported to have anti-stress
and adaptogenic properties.
Nutritionally,
giloe is high in fibre, potassium and chromium, a good source of protein,
carbohydrate, iron and calcium. Several bio-active components like alkaloids,
flavanoids, tannins and plant steroids have been isolated from different parts
of the plant and contribute to its high antioxidant status and curative
properties. These components have also been reported to play an important role
in blood glucose regulation, anti-diabetic potential, cholesterol-lowering and
anti-inflammatory effects. Giloe has also been reported to possess
immune-stimulating properties, which can reduce the side-effects of
chemotherapy such as immune-suppression.
Tulsi,
the “queen of herbs”: As implied by its name “Ocimum Sanctum” in Greek and “the
incomparable one” in Sanskrit has been regarded as one of the holiest and most
cherished herbs by virtue of its health promoting and healing properties.
Among
its innumerable benefits, tulsi reduces stress, enhances endurance, increases
oxygen utilisation, boosts the immune system, slows aging, reduces
inflammation, prevents gastric ulcers, protects against radiation, lowers
fevers, cholesterol and high blood pressure, protects teeth and gums, fights
bacterial, viral and fungal infections, improves digestion and provides a rich
supply of anti-oxidants and other nutrients. A premier adaptogen, tulsi offers
remarkable preventive and curative potential with respect to many
stress-related degenerative disorders, such as, cancer, heart disease,
arthritis, diabetes, hepatitis and neurological dementia. The leading active
compounds in “holy” Tulsi include eugenol (volatile oil), ursolic acid and
rosmarinic acid. Seeds contain essential fatty acids - linoleic acid and
linolenic acid. Although, of not much nutritional significance, tulsi does
contain vitamins like A and C and minerals calcium, iron, and zinc.
Although,
tulsi has a long history of use and safety in traditional medicine, it has also
been reported to have mild hypoglycemic (lowering of blood sugar) and blood
thinning properties which must be kept in mind by diabetics and heart patients
on medication.
As
the long-term use of herbal medicines/ preparations has not been well
established, these must be administered under professional supervision and
guidance. In addition, herbal medicines must not be had by pregnant women,
nursing mothers, toddlers and infants. A word of caution for especially for
those suffering from auto-immune diseases and taking immune-suppressants, as
these may interfere with medications.
